I like to fish with rods that other people wouldn't waste their time with. Antiquated reels. Factory second lines.
But I don't cheap out on my leaders.
Your leader is your contact with the fish. The only thing that's as important is having a sharp hook.

I do use a straight mono leader for poppers, and a 3 section leader in the salt is fine. But with dry fly fishing the most important aspect is the presentation and a drag free drift. And that's only going to happen with a well designed leader.

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The simpler the outfit, the more skill it takes to manage it, and the more pleasure one gets in his achievements.” --- Horace Kephart